ATV use approved on some Colebrook roads

Supporters hope new measure helps make NH an ATV destination

Colebrook selectmen have approved a request to open portions of roads on the eastern part of the town and into the town center for all-terrain vehicle use with automobiles beginning this spring.

Gorham town officials are looking at a similar measure as part of a larger effort to make the Great North Woods a national destination for ATVs.

Chris Gamache, director of the state bureau of trails, said Berlin, Pittsburg and now Stewartstown have passed measures to allow the riders access to stores, gas stations and restaurants from the trail to the road.

On Jan. 9, Colebrook joined in as well.

About 80 attended a public hearing on the subject Dec. 19 where there was widespread support for the idea, he said.

With Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin becoming the center for ATV riding in the state, a plan is now under way to develop a network of trails which will allow riders to travel from Berlin to Errol to Colebrook to Beecher Falls, Vt. to Pittsburg and loop back with connections between Dixville and Stark.

"It would be a several hundred-mile route if you did the whole thing," said Gamache.

"This would be a national draw for ATV riders. We have a lot of international attention from Jericho right now," he noted.